Port Douglas Holiday Weather Overview
Port Douglas is a tropical playground located in northern Queensland. It is the closest town to the Great Barrier Reef, and a favourite destination for divers and water-sports enthusiasts. Boasting a beautiful tropical beach and a very relaxed vibe, Port Douglas attracts many visitors throughout the year.
Port Douglas is a tropical playground located in northern Queensland. It is the closest town to the Great Barrier Reef, and a favourite destination for divers and water-sports enthusiasts. Boasting a beautiful tropical beach and a very relaxed vibe, Port Douglas attracts many visitors throughout the year.
The Climate in Port Douglas
Port Douglas has a tropical monsoon climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. It is warm all year round, with heavy rainfall between January and March.
Port Douglas in the Dry Season
The dry season in Port Douglas lasts from May to October. During this period, you can expect lots of sunshine, cooling breezes and lower humidity. Between May and October, average daily highs range between 24 and 28°C. July and August are the coolest months, with overnight lows of around 15°C - although very mild, it can feel a little chilly after the heat of the day, so pack a shawl or a wrap if you’re visiting Port Douglas in the middle of its winter.
The sea is warm enough for swimming all year round, and you’ll only need lightweight summer clothing for daytime wear.
During the winter months, trade winds blow from the south, so this is a popular time of year for kitesurfing and windsurfing on Four Mile Beach. This is also the best season for visiting the Great Barrier Reef, whether you’re diving or taking a boat tour.
Port Douglas in the Wet Season
The wet season in Port Douglas is also known as the green season, and with good reason. The lifegiving rains bring the tropical rainforest to life, and this is a wonderful time of year to visit if you’re interested in the rainforest. From November to April, you can expect regular torrential downpours, and occasional dramatic thunderstorms.
The rain is certainly heavy, but it’s not disruptive and usually clears after an hour or so, leaving very hot and humid weather for the rest of the day.
Average daily highs in the wet season tend to hover at around 30-31°C, with sticky nights in the mid 20s Celsius, which can make it difficult to sleep. If you’re visiting Port Douglas in the wet season, take plenty of changes of lightweight summer clothing, and drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated. You’ll also need a hat and sunscreen, but it’s much too hot for waterproof clothing.
There are lots of family attractions in and around Port Douglas, so you’ll never be stuck for something to do even if you don’t want to sit on the beach in the rainy hours.
Bear in mind that October and November are host to a number of major festivals in Port Douglas, so the town becomes extremely busy during those months.
Best months to visit Port Douglas?
August and September are the best month to go for holiday or travel to Port Douglas. Within Australia the weather data gathered from Port Douglas weather forecast and Port Douglas weather history also forecast these months temperature to be around 24°c and average of 240.7333 hours of sunshine in a month.
Coldest months of Port Douglas?
August and July are the coldest months with temperature at around 19°c.
Which months receive most rainfall in Port Douglas?
January and February receive most rainfall with precipitation count of 355.69mm.
Travelling to Port Douglas? Check out our Weather averages of Port Douglas to better plan your holiday or travel.
If you would just like to know what the weather was for a past dates for research or education or you are just curious then visit our historical weather of Port Douglas section.